World-Class Fishing on Michigan’s Au Sable River

The Au Sable River meanders from west to east across Northern Lower Michigan for 138 miles, meeting Lake Huron at Oscoda, about 200 miles north of Detroit. Narrow and mostly shallow with an average depth of just 2-4 feet, the river is ideal for canoeing and is perhaps the top brown trout fly fishing location east of the Rockies. Where the river forms small lakes along the way, the depth reaches 30 feet. 

In the 1800s the Au Sable was used for transportation of logs and other trade items across the state from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron. Today it offers clear, high-quality water, beautiful scenery, and amazing fishing opportunities. Translated from French ‘Au Sable’ means ‘Sand River’, making it superb for fly fishing.

Huron House, a “Luxury Bed and Breakfast” is an ideal base for anglers and other vacationers visiting the area. Located on the shores of Lake Huron, you are just five minutes away from the Au Sable which ends in Oscoda, a small town with sandy beaches, and an array of local shops and dining spots. Our Michigan bed and breakfast offers stunning Lake Huron sunrises, breakfast on the deck or in your luxurious king-size room, and a short 15-minute drive to fishing at Foote Dam Pond.

The Au Sable River: A Fishing Paradise

When the conversation is about fly fishing in the Midwest, the Au Sable River is bound to be included. Well-known across the region, the Au Sable is considered one of the best cold-water fishing rivers by locals and serious anglers who travel long distances to get here. Designated a “Blue Ribbon Trout Stream” by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for 94 miles, the river is home to a healthy population of brown and rainbow trout. 

The beauty of the river is impossible to overlook, so much so that 23 miles of the Au Sable have been designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. Most of the river’s primary branch flows adjacent to or through the Huron-Manistee National Forest which provides the perfect habitat for bald eagles, and the endangered Kirtland’s warbler.

In addition to the prized trout found in most parts of the Au Sable, the forested areas are also known for sunfish, perch, and crappie, which are superb for pan frying.     

When is the Best Time to Fish the Au Sable River?

If you had to choose one time of year to find the “best” fishing here, the consensus answer would be April. This is when over half of the hatchery-planted fish are released, so the odds of having a successful outing will be higher. 

Other popular times to fish the Au Sable include late March, the beginning of the steelhead spring season, and they make their fall run from mid-October through November. The place to be in early November is just below Foote Dam, where the salmon historically spawn. 

But what about summer, you may be wondering? Serious fishers are often found wading the river at the end of a sizzling summer day, as twilight, before it’s not quite dark, can be a lucrative time to fish for trout. 

Cloudy or rainy days during spring, summer, and fall, when fish are plentiful, are ideal for fishing. Fish avoid brighter days, so if you run into an overcast day or two (light rain is best), take advantage of it.

Essential Gear and Tackle for Fly-fishing

 Just like with any sport, to genuinely enjoy and be successful fly fishing, you need the right equipment. Ask an experienced fly fisher what the ‘must-haves’ are, and you will be told that a sturdy rod is a top priority. The type of rod you need will depend on where you plan to fish. You will also need to obtain the reels and lines, a fly-fishing lure, a sinking tip line, tapered leaders, and spools of tippet material. 

You should also bring a fishing vest, tackle box, and a fishing net to help secure your catch quickly and safely A vest with multiple pockets to store essentials will make for a more enjoyable time.

Lastly, bait, lures, hooks, and any other small items will need a tackle box to call home. Since fly fishing isn’t an inexpensive sport, we recommend purchasing high-quality accessories that will last for several years. 

Local Tips from Seasoned Anglers

 Let’s look at a few of the favored fishing areas along the Au Sable River, starting with the easternmost Foote Dam to Lake Huron section which is known as “The Big Water” locally. This is also the fishing area closest to Oscoda, and the Huron House Bed and Breakfast.

 Popular among anglers for steelhead which are plentiful in the Au Sable for eight months of the year, you will also find many salmon passing through. Peak run times are March, April, and early May, but through the summer and fall you are bound to have success fishing here, too.

 The 25-mile stretch of the river from Foote Dam Pond to Alcona Dam is not only scenic but considered underfished. During the peak months of July and August, smallmouth bass is the most popular catch. Experienced fishers know this part of the Au Sable is ideal for avoiding crowded waters further downstream.

 For those seeking some solitude while fishing, the south branch of the Au Sable River may be just for you. While it entails nearly a 90-minute drive from the Huron House, locals will tell you that they consider this to be the crème de la crème area to reel in large trout. Located in the Mason Tract Wilderness Area, the 5,000 acres of protected land was a gift from the George Mason family in 1954. The family stipulated that no part of this permanent game preserve should ever be sold by the State of Michigan.

Prime Fishing Spots on the Au Sable

In addition to the recommended fishing spots above, we would be missing the boat, so to speak, if we didn’t introduce you to the catch-and-release area known by locals as the “Holy Water”. This nine-mile stretch of the Au Sable extends from Burton’s Landing a few miles east of Grayling to Wakeley Bridge and can be reached in about 75 minutes following MI-72 from Oscoda. The river bottom is mostly sand and gravel and according to anglers who frequent the area, it’s reasonably easy to wade.

The “Holy Water” offers several places to launch boats, with Stephan Bridge and Thendara Road being the top access spots. Fishing is superb throughout this part of the Au Sable’s upper sections. A bit further downstream is Mio Pond, where the river gets deeper and becomes more challenging to wade. On the plus side, the pond is home to bigger trout to go after.

While some popular areas along the Au Sable require some windshield time, Huron House Bed and Breakfast remains an excellent choice for a complete fly-fishing getaway. If you prefer to fish within a few miles of Oscoda and Lake Huron, there is no better place to call home.

Regulations and Permits

The State of Michigan requires anglers to purchase an annual all-species fishing license, with resident pricing being discounted versus out-of-state visitors. There are lower rates for seniors (65+), as well as special youth licenses for those under 17.

Learn about current regulations, how to purchase your license, and local outfitters by clicking Oscoda.com.

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As one of the top fishing states in the country, Michigan is the perfect place for a vacation centered around this popular pastime. Combining the serenity and beauty of the Au Sable River with the luxurious surroundings of the Huron House Bed and Breakfast will make for a memorable and relaxing getaway you won’t soon forget. Whether you’re an experienced angler, a fly-fishing wannabee, or simply a traveler looking for a getaway near the water, at the Huron House you will experience an upscale atmosphere that we know you will savor. Book your stay online or call if you prefer. We look forward to seeing you soon.